This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is super moist and oh-so-delicious! With ripe bananas and a swirl of cream cheese, it’s a treat that you won’t forget.
You might find yourself reaching for seconds (maybe even thirds!) because it’s just that yummy. I love enjoying a slice fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The secret to moist banana bread is using very ripe bananas. Their natural sweetness and moisture come through. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed it up by baking them for 10-15 minutes at 300°F until soft.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the bread extra moist and adds a delicious tang. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of it with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream cheese for fewer calories.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content, but you can substitute it with coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just note, it may slightly alter the flavor.
Granulated Sugar: You can swap sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it might darken the bread a bit.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread is Extra Moist?
To achieve that moist texture, the key is not to overmix the batter. After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This reduces gluten development, which can make the bread tough. Also, using ripe bananas is incredibly important since they’re naturally soft and juicy.
- Always measure your bananas after mashing for accurate amounts.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese; it really adds moisture.
- Letting it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring helps keep it from getting too dry.
Cream Cheese Banana Bread That’s Extra Moist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. So, overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Loaf Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly flour it to prevent sticking later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Now stir in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will fill the bread with deliciousness!
7. Layer Your Batter and Cream Cheese Mixture:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture over this layer and spread it gently without mixing it in.
8. Top It Off:
Finally, pour the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the banana batter to create a lovely marbled pattern.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. After it cools, slice it up and enjoy your extra moist cream cheese banana bread!
FAQ for Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great in banana bread. Just make sure to thaw them completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash them well before adding to the batter for the best results.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. This will add moisture while reducing the overall fat content!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor or Texture?
Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) to the banana bread batter for added flavor and crunch. Just fold them in gently before baking!